Archive (11 life histories found)

We played a lot around the barracks and were a bit afraid of the black hole - the cell. After a fair if somebody was the worse for drink the sergeant gave him lodgings for the night. At that time there were five garda and one sergeant in the…

A photo of Ita McClelland with her nursing class at their 25 year reunion.

A Menu for the 25 Year Nursing College Reunion Dinner in 2000 at The Four Seasons, Co. Monaghan.

As best I can recall I worked in six or seven jobs in the three or four years after I left Cathal Brugha Street. As I said before, jobs were easy to get and the pay was reasonably good. I recall that I worked in The Gresham, The Dolphin, The…

There was, as in other walks of life a rigid class system in catering. Managers were at the top of the tree, Chefs were often next and waiters were lower down. We were paid much better than waiters but they had the advantage of the gratuities or…

Each year there was a grand ball for the Jewish community in Dublin. This ball was traditionally held in the Shelbourne. In advance of the ball the Rabbi called to the kitchen to ensure that all preparations for the meal were Kosher. He selected…

The functions Head Waiter was a Kerryman named Claude Spillane, Claude did not soil his hands by actually serving meals himself. His job was to supervise the waiting staff and ensure that customers were properly provided for. He was a tall man and as…

At the end of two years in Cathal Brugha Street I graduated and found myself in search of a job. My first job was in the Gresham Hotel but I did not stay long. We graduates were not popular as we were considered to be third years commis or…

A picture of chefs - Harry Browne trained as a chef and worked in many kitchens and hotels

We spent one night in the Regent Palace Hotel on our honeymoon - this is the receipt for the princley sum of £3.19. Note the requirement for a £2.00 deposit